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We're having a discussion. So it's only reasonable to bring up examples pro and con in this discussion.He was 32 when he had his first MMA bout and was 36 when he had his 2nd bout. And he never lost to an absolute scrub (speaking by HW standards of course).
Also, so you think Westbrook is an A-level athlete? Why is it that people always bring up some random football player failing at this or that as proof that an A-level athlete couldn't just walk into MMA's HW division and do very well or dominate. A 36 year old man coming off a 4 year layoff losing to Travis Browne in the 3rd round is NOT something to be embarrassed about.
There have been "A level athletes" trying their hand at MMA. Only a handful have been successful. Even fewer have won a title (if you consider Brock Lesnar "A level")
Athleticism only gets you so far. Being able to fight and have the right mindset for it, is the deciding factor. It's better to be an athletic fighter than to be an athlete who fights.
As far as age goes, the man never let himself go, so he was always in good shape. Age wasn't a factor. Plus, he was a longtime BJJ practitioner. If any "A Level" athlete was ready to kick ass in MMA it was him.